Page 157 of Her Last Walk Home

‘I tried. She snapped my head off.’

‘Sisters.’

When they’d finished making the bed, Katie threw her arms around Lottie in a hug. ‘Thanks for being you, Mam.’

‘What does that mean?’

Katie grinned and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Lottie flopped onto the pristine bed, wishing she could sleep for a year. The door opened slowly and Boyd stuck his head in.

‘Can I join you?’

‘Please do.’ She scooted over and patted the space beside her.

‘I could do with a hug and a kiss,’ he said. ‘It’s Valentine’s after all.’

‘I could do with a long sleep and breakfast in bed in the morning.’

‘Your wish is my command.’

‘Great, and here’s the hug and kiss you wanted.’

He grinned. He still had a monster-sized plaster on the back of his head, which would have been comical if his injury hadn’t been so deep. He was suffering from headaches and looked thinner, if that was possible.

‘We’re two old crocks,’ he said, before pressing his lips to hers.

She felt an awakening in the pit of her stomach. An intense tingling that was beautiful before it was replaced by a moment of fear. ‘Did you lock the door?’

‘Give me a minute.’ He got off the bed. ‘You don’t have a key in it.’

‘Push the cabinet up against it.’

‘We really need our own place.’

‘Where are we going to find somewhere to fit a family like the Waltons?’

He laughed and lay down beside her. His phone chirped.

‘Don’t,’ she warned.

He checked the screen. ‘It’s Grace. I better?—’

‘Go ahead.’ She fluffed up the pillows and raised herself onto one elbow, close enough to hear, staring at the contours of his face, the glint of gold in his hazel eyes like flint sparking a fire.Fires were dangerous, as their investigation had demonstrated, but this one was exciting.

‘Hello, Mark. This is Grace.’

‘I can see your name on my screen.’ Boyd smirked, and Lottie pulled the pillow over her face to smother a laugh.

‘I know you’re laughing at me, Mark. It’s not funny.’

‘I’m not laughing. What’s up?’

‘What would be up? You’re so silly. I’m sitting down. Are you listening to me?’

‘I am.’

‘I thought you were too stressed when I stayed with you last month. Your living conditions are not ideal. That apartment is too small. It’s not healthy for a young boy. He needs a garden to bring his friends over to play.’

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